10. Canned foods
Canned foods often contain bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical used in the lining of cans. BPA has been linked to various cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.
9. Carbonated Beverages
According to Dr Neeraj Goel, Director – Oncology Services, GI Oncology, GI & HPB Surgery at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, “These drinks, especially those with high sugar content, have been associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The caramel coloring used in some sodas contains 4-MEI, a potential carcinogen.”
8. Hydrogenated oils
Used to extend the shelf life of processed foods, hydrogenated oils release free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to cancer. They also increase trans fats, which are harmful to health.
7. Microwave Popcorn
The bags of microwave popcorn are lined with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a carcinogen. Additionally, artificial butter flavoring contains diacetyl, which has been linked to lung disease.
6. Refined Sugars
High-fructose corn syrup and other refined sugars can spike insulin levels, leading to increased growth of cancerous cells. They are particularly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
High-fructose corn syrup and other refined sugars can spike insulin levels, leading to increased growth of cancerous cells. They are particularly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
5. Processed meats
Meats like bacon, sausages, and deli meats contain preservatives such as nitrates and nitrites. These chemicals can form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens.
4. Red Meat
Consumption of red meat has been linked to colorectal cancer. When cooked at high temperatures, red meat produces heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), both of which are carcinogenic.
3. Pickles
High in sodium, pickled foods can increase the risk of stomach cancer. The high salt content damages the stomach lining and promotes the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with stomach cancer.
2. Smoked foods
Smoking foods exposes them to tar, a known carcinogen. Smoked meats and fish contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can cause stomach cancer.
1. Salted fish
Common in some Asian diets, salted fish contains nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens linked to nasopharyngeal cancer.
